Printing machine



Dec. 14, 1937.

H. L. LATZ ET AL 2,102,466

PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet l VENT 0R5 IN /ARRKL .LA T2. STEPHEN HHUMZ BY MM ATTORNEY 5 Dec. 14-, 1937. TZ ET AL2,102,466

" PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7' Sheets-Sheet 2 HARm i. 5

STE Pl-(EN' HPLUMZ BY I v //kawtW ATTORNEYS Dec. 14. 1937. H. LATZ ET ALPRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 T L m Dec. 14,1937. H. L. LATZ ET AL PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 7Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VENTOR5 HA r? I? .1, A72. .57: P/ls 1v l-(IPL uni dz rATTORNEYS.

Dec. 14, 1937. H7 1.. LATZ ET AL PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7Sheets-Sheet 5 Hill! I INVENTORS A/Arm Y L. z,A-rz 575 ATTORNEYS.

Dec. 14, 1937. H. LATZ ET AL PRINTING MACHINE Filed Jan. 4, 1936 '7Sheets-Sheet 6 III/I) 1 2 m m 0 EH Em WRH p H W 5 23 Z w g 6 0 1 g V a ow 5 r V 7 9 9 62 m wm Patented Dec. '14, 1937 UNITED STATES PATET OFFICEPRINTING MACHINE tion of New York Application January 4, 1936, SerialNo. 57,464

Claims.

The invention relates to printing machines and has for its object toprovide a simple machine adapted to automatically print individual andseparate items, as exemplified by the names of different persons, inpredetermined succession or other sequence in an efficient manner. Theinvention contemplates primarily the provision of a novel machinewhereby printed impressions of predetermined character may be added tomatter previously printed or otherwise produced, so as to harmonizetherewith and to give each completed sheet or its equivalent anindividual appearance or a personal character. Other more specificobjects will appear from the description hereinafter and the features ofnovelty will be pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings which illustrate an example of theinvention without defining its limits, Fig. 1 is a side elevation of thenovel machine; Fig. 2 is a similar View from the opposite side; Fig. 3is a sectional elevation approximately through the longitudinal centerof the machine; Fig. 4 is a horizontal section on the line 4-4 of Fig.3; Fig. 5 is an end elevation; Fig. 6 is a vertical cross-section on theline B3 of Fig. 3; Fig. '7 is a fragmentary vertical section on the line1'| of Fig. 5; Figs. 8, 9, and 10 are detail sections showing parts ofthe machine in different positions; Fig. 11 is an enlarged detailsection on the line H-ll of Fig. 9; Fig. 12 is a fragmentary plan viewof the linking mechanism; Fig. 13 is a fragmentary section on the linel3-l3 of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary section on the linel4-i4 of Fig. 13, and Fig. 15 is a detail section on the line l5l5 ofFig. '7.

In its illustrated form the machine includes a frame consisting ofspaced, parallel upright side members 15 and a base-plate I 5 extendingbetween and connecting said side members 15, the latter in additionserving as supports for a horizontal bed-plate I! located at a distanceabove the base plate 16 as shown in Figs. 3, 5, and 6. The side membersl5 of the frame are continued in the form of horizontal supports or armsI8 which project in spaced parallel relation over the bed-plate I! andhave their free ends connected by means of a transverse guide plate '29removably secured in position in any suitable manner as by means ofbolts 2%.

As shown in Fig. 15 the guide plate I9 is recessed on its inner face forthe accommodation of an upper carrier which is maintained. in place bymeans of guide strips 19 removably secured in position in any convenientmanner as by bolts I9 the upper carrier 2! at its lower end is providedwith a stamping or pressure member 22 of any suitable type and fixed inplace in any conventional way, the arrangement being such that saidupper carrier 2! is vertically slidable in the recess of said guideplate I9. For the purpose of vertically reciprocating the upper carrier'2! and stamping or pressure member 22, in the operation of the machine,said carrier is supported upon a head 23, preferably so as to bevertically adjustable relatively thereto, the head 23 fitting into arecess with which the upper carrier 2| is provided as illustrated inFig. 15. The adjustment of the upper carrier 2! on the head 23 may beeffected in any suitable manner; in the illustrated example, the carrier2| for this purpose is provided with a lug'24 in which an adjustingscrew 25 is rotatably mounted, and with a second lug 26 provided with arecess for the accommodation of a bearing projection 21 located at thelower end of said screw 25 as shown in Figs. 3 and '7, a hand wheel 28or equivalent device being provided on said screw 25 tofacilitate themanipulation thereof. The aforesaid screw 25 passes through and is inthreaded engagement with the head 23 so that an operation of said screw25 will slidably adjust the carrier 2! on said head 23 in verticaldirections; as shown in Fig. 15 set screws 29 or any equivalent suitablemeans may be provided for fixing the upper carrier 2| in an adjustedposition on the head 23.

Inthe illustrated example, the head 23 and the upper carrier '2! andstamping or pressure member 22 arevertically reciprocated in synchronismwith the associated elements of the machine by means of a rocking lever38 pivoted at 3! and having its one end pivotally connected at 32 withsaid head 23 as shown in Figs. 3, 7, and 15; for the purpose ofillustrating an example of the means for rocking the lever on its pivot3l the other end of said lever 30 carries a roller 33 projecting into acam groove 34 of a cam disk 35 fixed upon a shaft 36 suitably journalledin the arms I8. In order to permit the upper carrier 2! and itsassociated elements to reciprocate in a straight vertical path in therecessed guide plate 19 without jamming as a result of the rocking ofthe lever 30 in an arc, the pivot 3| is carried by a frame 31 whichdepends from a pivot 38 mounted on the arms l8 as shown in Figs. 3 and6. Under certain conditions it may be desirable to vary the verticalmovements of the stamping or pressure member 22 for the purpose forinstance of adjusting the effective pressure developed thereby; theillustrated example accordingly shows the pivot 38 in the form of ashaft journalled in the arms 18 and provided with eccentrics 39 locatedwithin circular bearing rings 40 with which the frame 31 in such case isprovided. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the means for actuating theeccentrics 39 may consist of an operating lever 4| pivoted at 42 on anarm l8 and connected by means of a link '43 with a lug 44 which'is fixeduponand projects radially from the pivot shaft As shown in Fig. 3. thebed-plate I1 is provided with an opening 45 beneath and in registry withthe stamping or pressing member 22, the

latter being located invertical registry with a 7 lower carrier 46adapted to reciprocate in opposed relation to the upper carrier?! asshown in Fig. 3.

The lower carrier 46 is vertically slidable in stationary uprightguideways 41 forming part of a guide plate 48 suitably secured betweenthe side members 15, and is vertically reciprocable in said guideways 41in properly timed relation with the upper carrier 2| and its associatedelements by means of any suitable mechanism. 1 In the illustratedexample the latter consists of a rocking lever49 carried by a'shaft 50rotatably mounted onthe'side members I and having its one end forked at5| for slidable engagement with abearing block 52 fixed upon'a pivot pin53.journalled between lugs 54 forming part of or secured to the lowercarrier '46 as shown in Figs. 3 and '7. The opposite end of the lever 49carries a roller 55 which'projects into the cam groove 56 of a cam disk51 mounted to rotate with a shaft 58 journalled on the side members 15in any convenient manner. 7

The novel machine is designed to operate with printing or impressionslugs 59 which carry the individual items to be printed, as exemplifiedby Fig. 7.

the names of different persons, in the form of type cast upon the upperfaces of said slugs in any customary way; the slugs 59 are fed to thelower 7 with a gripping means automatically controlled to As shown inthe provide the desired results. drawings the aforesaid gripping meansconsists of a plate or stop 60 fixed upon the lower carrier 46 andprojecting above theupper face thereof as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 7;for co-operation with the-plate or stop 60 the lower carrier 46 isfurther provided with a movable clamping member 6| located in spacedopposed relation to said plate 69 and carried by a member 62 pivoted at63 between the lugs 54:0f said carrier 46 as shown in The member 62carries a pin 64 which projects slidabl'y: through the lower carrier 46and'supports a coil spring '65 located between the carrier 46 andanadjustable abutment exemplified by the nuts 66 threaded uponsaid pin 64as shown in Figs. 3 and 7; the spring. 65 by acting on the'nuts 66 ortheir equivalent serves'to force the clamping member 6| into engagementwith the successive slugs 59 for clamping the same against the plate orstop 60 during the printing operations. The successive slugs 59 may bereleased at the proper time for removal from the lower carrier 46 inanyconvenient'manner, as

for instance by locating a wedge-shaped cam 61 upon the member 62 whichis provided with an opening 68 for the accommodation of said cam 61 asillustrated in Fig. 7. The cam 61 is'arranged to co-operate, with areleasing device illustrated in the form ofv a rod 69 slidably mountedin the lower carrier 46 for vertical movement relatively thereto; therod 69 has its lower end resting upon the base plate [6 and is ofsufficient length to extend into operative engagement with the cam 61 inthe opening 68 when the carrier 46 is in its lower position as shown inFig. 7. With the arrangement set forth, the rod 66 will be retained uponor dropped back upon the base plate l6 by gravity as the carrier 46 israised, and when said carrier 46'is lowered will engage the 'cam 61 andthereby pivotally actuate the meli'h ber'62' and clamping member 6!against the ten-- sion of the spring 65 to release one slug 59 forremoval from the carrier 46 and to permit a successive slug 59.to bepositioned thereon. in order to relieve the mechanism whereby the lowercarrier 46 is reciprocated, from excessive strains during the successiveprinting operations, the machine is provided with means whereby saidcarrier 46 is supported from below during each printing stage. In theillustrated example the aforesaid supporting means is exemplified by anarm 18 fixed upon a pivot shaft 1| journalled in the side members l5 andprovided with a shoulder 12 arranged to extend beneath the lower carrier46 when the latter is in'its raised position, said arm 16 having itsupper end movable in an opening 13 in the guide plate 48 as shown inFig.

7. A spring 14 connected with 'a lug 15 of the arm and with a fixed pin16 or its equivalent tends to pivotally swing the upper end of the arm18 toward the carrier 46. The arm 19 maybe automatically operated in anysuitable manner to re move the shoulder 12 from beneath the raisedcarrier 46 at the proper time, as for instance by means of a link 11pivotally connected at 18 with the aforesaid lug and at'19 with a lug 89fixed upon a pivot pin 8! which also carries a tripping pawl 82 and isrotatably mounted in'a bearing 83 upon the base plate !6; the trippingpawl 82 projects into the path of a projection 84 carried for-instanceby a cam disk '85 fixed upon the shaft 58 as shown in'Fig. 3.

The machine further includes a container for a supply of slugs .59, saidcontainer being illustrated in the form of a horizontal chute 86 ex'tending lengthwise ofthe one side member I5, as shown in Fig. 4, anddimensioned transversely in accordance with the length of the slugs 59which said' chute 86 is designed toaccommodate. The

chute 86 is suitably supported in the machine and terminates at itsdelivery end in registrywith transferring means .and adjacent toanopening 81 formed in the aforesaid side member I5, as illustrated inFigs; 1 and 4. In the example guide wall 89 which extends into deliveryrelation to the lower carrier 46, as shown in Fig. 4, said guide member88 and guide wall 89 serving to guide and maintain the transferringdevice of the aforesaid transferring means in its in' tended operativepath. I

Because of the fact that the items to be printed, such as'the names ofindividuals, vary 'in' length andthat accordingly the individual linesof type located on the slugs. 59 are of different length in differentslugs 59, it is desirable to provide atransfer device which willcompen-- sate; for such diiferences, in order that theslugs shown in thedrawings,. a guide member 88 islocated in transverse relation to thedelivery end 7 of the chute 8'6 and is provided with an upright ferencesin the length of said lines of type; the illustrations in Figs. 8, 9,and 10 diagrammatically show lines of type a. and b of different lengthson two individual slugs 59. It is to be understood that the expressionlines of type is used herein in a broad sense and intended to includeany impression producing means suitable to the purposes for which themachine may be used.

For the above reasons the transfer device accordingly may consist of atransfer member 90 of generally rectangular shape in cross-section andincluding two parallel side walls spaced apart as shown in Fig. 11. Theside walls c are preferably provided with guide grooves 9I in whichpropelling or shifting members 92 and 93 are slidably mounted formovement lengthwise of the transfer member 99. The propelling members 92and 93 are each provided on their opposed faces with racks 99 whichslidably fit the space between the side walls 0 and mesh with a pinion95 journalled in said side walls 0 in the aforesaid space as illustratedin Fig. 11. With the' arrangement set forth the propelling members 92and 93 are caused to move lengthwise of the transfer member 90 ininverse relation by the action of the pinion 95 as will appear morefully hereinafter. To facilitate the operation of the propelling orshifting members 92 and 93 in the desired manner, a spring 99 has itsone end connected to a lug 91 on the member 92 and its other endattached to a pin or the like 98 fixed to the one side wall 0 as shownin Figs. 8, 9, and 10; the spring 96 exerts a tension tending to drawthe propelling or shifting member 92 into the transfer member 90 andconsequently, through the medium of the racks 94 and pinion 95, to movethe propelling or shifting member 93 out of said member 90.

Any conventional mechanism may be provided for shifting the transfermember 90 and its associated elements lengthwise of the guide member 89and guide wall 89 in transverse relation to the chute 39 for the purposeof transferring successive slugs 59 from said chute 85 to a printingposition on the lower carrier 46 as will be more fully describedhereinafter. In the illustrated example the aforesaid mechanismcomprises a lever 99 pivoted at I99 upon a bracket IOI suitably mountedupon the one side wall I5, said lever 99 being pivotally connected atI02 with a link I63 which in turn is pivotally connected with a pin I94depending from the transfer member 99 as shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 10; topermit the necessary movements of the pin I04 the guide member 89 isprovided with a slot I95 extending lengthwise thereof as alsoillustrated in Figs. 8. 9, and 10. The lever 99 is oscillated on itspivot I 99 in a manner to reciprocate the transfer member 90 in itsoperative path, by means of a cam I09 fixed upon the shaft 58 andincluding a cam groove I01 for the accommodation of a roller I08rotatably mounted upon an arm H39 carried by the lever 99 as shown bydotted lines in Fig. 4.

In addition the parts so far described, the machine includesintermittently actuated means for advancing the supply of slugs 59 inthe chute 36 in successive steps in a manner to bring successive forwardterminal slugs 59 into operative relation to the transfer means topermit said slugs 59 to be individually shifted from said chute 85 to aprinting position on the lower carrier 99.

As shown by way of example in the drawings, the aforesaid intermittentlyactuated means includes an advancing member H9 projecting transverselyacross the chute 89 and arranged to engage the rearward terminal slug 59of the supply contained in said chute 96 as shown in Fig. 4. Anysuitable mechanism may be provided for intermittently advancing themember H9 in a manner to effect the intermittent advance of the slugs59. For instance as disclosed in the illustrated example of the machinethe mechanism referred to may include a support I I I on which a shaftH2 is suitably journalled, said shaft H2 serving as a pivotal supportfor the advancing member IIil which is conveniently fixed on said shaftM2 to rock therewith. The support III further has a second shaft I 13rotatably mounted thereon and carrying a pinion II4 which meshes with apinion I I5 located on the shaft H2, whereby said two shafts I 52 and II3 are geared together as illustrated in Fig. 4; the shaft H3 is providedwith a crank handle I I6 or equivalent device for rocking the same forthe purpose to be more clearly described hereinafter. The support III isslidable lengthwise of a grooved guide rail H1 and projects over and isadjustable lengthwise of a rack I38, which itself is slidable lengthwiseof a grooved guide rail H9; the guide rails II! and H9 are located inspaced parallel relation to each other as shown in Fig. 4 and aresupported in the machine in contiguous lengthwise relation of the chute39 in any convenient manner. The advancing member H9 carries a pawl I29adapted to co-operate with the rack II8 for adjustably connecting saidmember I I9 and its support IIi therewith. The rack H3 is arranged to beslidably advanced in successive steps lengthwise of the guide rail H9 tocorrespondingly advance the support III with the member iii and thesupply of slugs 59 located in the chute 96, and for this purpose isprovided with a depending lug 82! which projects. downwardly through aslot I22 in the guide rail H9 as shown in Fig. 1. The lug I2! isconnected by means of a spring I23 with a bracket 24 slidably mounted ina slot I25 of a stationary plate I26, said bracket I 24 being carried byan operating member EZ'I; the latter is provided with slots 28 for theaccommodation of pins 529 or their equivalent whereby said operatingmember E2? is slidably supported upon the one side member I5 asillustrated in Fig. 1. The

operating member I2! is actuated in one direction in an operativemovement by means of a cam projection I39 on the peripheral surface ofthe cam 399, which co-operates with a roller I3I journalled upon saidoperating member I2! at one end thereof as shown in Fig. 1: a secondspring I32 has its one end attached to the lug I2I and its other end toa fixed pin I33 projecting downwardly from the guide rail H9, and actsin opposition to the spring I23 for the purpose of moving the rack H9 ina return direction relatively to the support I I I and the advancingmember H9 carried thereby. In other words, the arrangement is such thatin its operative movement the rack I I9 acts on the pawl 29 to advancethe support Ill and member H9 one step to thereby shift a forwardterminal slug 59 into position for transfer from the chute 36 to theprinting position on the lower carrier 69; on the other hand during themovement of recovery of said rack I I8 under the influence of the secondspring 532 the i2) only over the teeth of the rack M3 to a new positionthereon, the sup port iii and advancing member H9 remaining stationaryduring this stage ready to be subse- .quently advanced another step whenthe cam projection I30 again acts on the roller I3 I After the printingoperation has been effected by a given slug 59 the latter is removedfrom the printing position on the lower carrier 46 by the nextsuccessive slug 59 as it is shifted into printing position on saidcarrier 46.

For the purpose of disposing of the slugs 59 in an orderly manner as.said slugs are removed from the lower carrier 46 the machine is providedwith an inclined chute I34 in adjustable receiving relation tothe lowercarrier 46 and in delivery communication with an inclined trough I35 orits equivalent; as shown in Figs. 2, 4, 5, and 6the chute I34 and troughI35 are supported upon brackets I36 suitably secured to the one sidemember I5. As the slugs 59 are successively deposited in the trough I35said slugs are progressively shifted lengthwise thereof for removaltherefrom at will in any convenient manner. In the illustrated exampleof the machine thisshifting of the slugs 59 is accomplished by means ofa pushing member I31 normally located at one end of the trough I35 inoperative relationto the chute I34 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Thepushing member I31 is carried by a rod I38 and arm I39 fixed upon asecond rod I49 slidably mounted in a bearing I ll forming part of one ofthe brackets 536,

said rod I 48 projecting from a supporting member I42 as shown in Figs.2 and 4; a link I43 has its 7 one end pivotally connected at I44 withthe'memher I42 and its other end pivotally secured at I45 to a disk I46fixed upon the shaft 58 as illustrated in Figs. 2 and 4.

The machine further includes means for inkguide rails I49 locatedin'oppos'ed parallel rela- 'tion'and fixed upon the inner faces of theside members I5 asshown in Figs. 3, 6, 12, 13, and 14. Inking rolls I50and I5I are rotatably supported upon the frame I41 by being journalledin the side members thereof, while a third roller I52 is mounted onsaidframe in a specific manner to be more fully described hereinafter, Theinking rolls I50 and I5I are continuously, in rolling engagementwithactuating rolls I53 while the inking roll 152, in its operativeposition, is also in rolling contact with one of said actuating rollsI53 as illustrated in Fig. 13. The actuating rolls I53 are carried byshafts I54 which are rotatably mounted in upwardly open recesses I55formed in ions I56 will roll along and be rotated by the ing rolls to berotated upon-their several axes to thereby bring about an efficientinking of said rolls I50, I5I, and I 52 and an efiicient distribution ofthe ink thereby upon the type of the 15 slug59 clamped upon the lowercarrier 46 at the time. Ink is supplied to the surface of the roll I52by means of a transfer roll I59 when the frame I 41 is in the retractedposition illustrated in Fig. 3, said transfer roll I59 being removablyjournalled in bearing brackets I60 and arranged to receive a surfacecoating of ink from a distributing" roll I6I removably journalled in anink reservoir I62 supported upon an auxiliary bed plate I63 extendingbetween and suitably secured to the side members I5 as shown inFigs. 3and 6. To regulate and control the coating of ink picked up-by thedistributing roll I6I from the supply in the reservoirjI62, a doctor orscraper I64 may be mounted in the reservoir I62 in tan-.

gential surface engagement with the roll I 6I as '15 illustrated indotted lines in Fig. 3; the doctor or scraper I64 may be controlled byan adjusting the latter contacts with said roll I59 in the retractedposition of the frame I49; the inking rolls, I50 and I5I in turn receivecoatings of ink through themedium' ofthe actuating rolls I53 as will beapparent.

The distributing roll I6I is rotated in the'rese'rvoir I62 by means ofbevel pinions I66 and associated gears which are intermittently actuatedby a suitable pawl andratchet mechanism on by a cam I69 secured upon theshaft 58; a spring I10 is effective on the slide I61 to maintain theroller I68 in operative engagement with the cam I69. To still furtherinsure an efficient and uniform inking of the slug 59 which istemporarily clamped upon the lower carrier 46, the

inking rolls I50, I5I, and 152, during the reciprocation of the frameI41, pass overthe inked surface of an inking platen I1I in rollingcontact'therewith. The platen vI1I is rotatably mounted in an uprightbearing I12 projecting upwardly from the auxiliary bed plate I 63' andis intermittently rotated by a train of gearing I13 operated by suitablepawl and ratchetmechanism controlled'by' the aforesaid slide I61 and itsoperating cam I69.

Because of the fact that the actuating rolls I53 are geared to the racksI51 and in frictional contact with the inking rolls I50, I5I, and I52,and because the inking roll I52 is in frictional engagement with thetransfer roll I59 which in turn is in surface contact with thedistributing roll I6I when the frame I41 is in its retracted operated bya slide I 61 carrying a roller I68 acted position this entire train ofrolls is ingeared connection with said racks I51 when the frame I41 isnear the terminus of its rearward movement. Unless provision is made torelease said train of rolls from the restraining effect of its gearedconnection with the racks I51, it is quite obvious that the operation ofthe distributing *roll I6I by its actuating mechanism will be opposedwhen the frame I41 reaches a position in which the transfer roll I59engages the inkingroll I52, and that injuryto the mechanism ordisturbance of its operation may result. To avoid of the movements ofsaid frame I41 and its asso-" ciated elements are arranged in rollingengagement with members I11 suitably fixed in place fit) and extendinglengthwise of the racks I51 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 13. Thebearing members I'M are. acted on by springs I'IB tending to force saidrollers I16 in an upward direction. As

shown in Figs. 3 and 13 the members I'I'I are 7 formed with recesses5'59 located in registry with the paths of travel of the rollers I "I5and adapted to receive said rollers when the frame I 9? reaches the endof its return movement. When the rollers II'e pass into said recessesI219 the bearing members I'I i will be pivotaliy actuated by the springsI18 in a direction to shift the inking roll I52 out of surface contactwith the one actuating roll I553 so that at this stage the inking rollI52, the transfer roll I59 and the distributing roll I6I are no longerin geared connection with the racks I5? and accordingly are free torotate independently of the rolls I55, I5I, and I53. As soon as therollers I15 pass out of the recesses I'it when the frame I41 begins an.operative movement, the bearing members I'M will be pivotally operatedagainst the tension of the springs IE8 to return the inking roll I52into surface engagement with the one actuating roll E53 and to restoreit as part of the train of rolls in geared connection with the racksI57; it will be understood that when this occurs the inking roll I52 hasbeen carried out of engagement with the transfer roll I59 by the forwardmovement of the frame It? on the guide rails I69.

The reciprocation of the frame I47 on the rails M9 in proper operativesynchronism with the other elements of the machine may be accomplishedby means of any suitable mechanism an example of which is shown in thedrawings. IE1 its illustrated form this mechanism comprises racks I89slidably mounted in guides I9I supported at opposite sides of themachine on pins I32 secured to the respective side members I5 asillustrated in Fig. i. The racks I89 are connected with the side membersof the frame I I'I by releasable couplings or links I93 pivoted at 58 onsaid side members of the frame I97, as shown in Fig. 3. The racks I99furthermore mesh with toothed segments I85 fixed upon a shaft journalledin the side members I5 and carrying a lug I8? which is pivotallyconnected at I88 with an operating member I99 slotted at 99 for slidablemounting on the shaft 58; the member I89 is provided with a roller I9!projecting into the cam groove I92 of the previously mentioned cam disk85 located on the shaft 56 as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4.

The machine as a whole may be operated by any conventional form ofdriving mechanism as exemplified by the belt I93 and pulley I95, thelatter being fixed upon a drive shaft I95 rotatably mounted on the sidemember I 5. The shaft I95 carries a pinion I96 in mesh with a gear I91fixed upon a countershaft I98 journalled in the side members I5 andprovided with a pinion I99 arranged in mesh with the gears 299 andsecured respectively upon the shafts and 58 as indicateddiagrammatically in Fig. 3.

The novel machine constitutes a so-called personal-print machine and isdesigned primarily to give a personal note to printed advertising orother matter, for instance, by printing the names of individuals forwhom such advertising matter is intended in spaces left for thispurpose, this personal printed matter being added in such a manner as togive the impression that it was oi' inally included as part of thesubject matter which said personal printed matter is com bined. It willof course be understood that other individual items may becorrespondingly introduced by printing with the novel machine tootherwise personalize printed matter or to give it some otherpredetermined individual characteristic. For the purpose of simplifyingthe explanation and without in any sense intending therebyto limit thescope of the novel machine, it will be assumed that the slugs 59 areprovided with lines of type representing the names of selectedindividuals. As different names require a greater or lesser number ofcharacters, these lines of type will be of different lengths asindicated respectively at a and b in Figs. '8, 9, and 10; such type alsoprojects above the main portions of the slugs 59 to constitute raisedimpression producing projections of different lengths on the uppersurfaces of said slugs as is also shownin the aforesaid three figures. Asupply of such slugs 59 is contained in the chute 86 with the rearmostterminal slug 59 in engagement with the advancing member II I] as shownin Fig. 4.

By operating the crank handle II6 or its equiv- I alent, the advancingmember III) may be pivotally actuated to remove the pawl I26 fromengagement with the rack IIB to thereby permit the support I II and withit the advancing member H9 to be adjusted lengthwise of the rack I I8 toproperly engage the advancing member III] with the rearmost terminalslug regardless of the number of slugs 59 contained in the chute 86within the capacity thereof. p

In Fig. 3 the machine is illustrated in a position subsequent to theprinting of the name or its equivalent carried by the slug 59 which isin position on the lower carrier 46 and just prior to the release ofsaid slug 59 to permit its removal from said carrier 46 and itsreplacement by the next succeeding slug 59 in the chute 86. As themachine is operated from this point the shafts 36 and 58 with theelements carried thereby will be rotated in operative synchronism tocause the roller 55 of the rocking lever 49 to enter the portion d ofthe cam groove 56 which acts on said roller 55 to swing the lever 49 ina direction to move the lower carrier 46 downwardly to a slight extentfrom the position shown in Fig. 3. 'As these operations occur, the rod69 which rests upon the base plate I6 will remain stationary and at itsupper end will act upon the cam 61 to pivotally actuate the member 62against the tension of the spring 65 and to thereby move the clampingmember (H in a direction away from the slug 59 on the carrier 46 to thereleasing position illustrated in Fig. '7. 'Coincidentally with theseoperations the cam I96 will be correspondingly rotated and by means ofits cam groove I97 in cooperation with theroller I98 will oscillate thelever 99 upwardly in Fig. 4 to adjust the transfer member 90 and theparts carried thereby length wise of the guide member 88 and guide wall89 to a point beyond the chute 86. At the proper moment the camprojection I36 on the cam I66 by engagement with the roller I3I willslidably actuate the operating member I 21 to correspondingly operatethe rack I I 8 and with it the support III in a manner to cause theadvancing member III! to shift the supply of slugs 59 in the chute 86toward the left in Fig. 4-into engagement with the upright guide wall 89of the guide member 88. The'portion d of the cam groove 56 designed tomaintain the clamping member 9i in the releasing position shown in Fig.7 for a length of time sufficient to permit the slug 59 located on thelower carrier 46 and which previously has per- 1 oscillated at its pivotI in a direction to shift the transfer member 90 lengthwise of the guidemember 88 and guide wall'89 toward the chute 86; during the first stagesof this movement the propelling members 92 and 93 occupy thepositions'on the transfer member 90 illustrated in Fig. 8. 'As theabove-mentioned shifting movementof the transfer'member 90 toward thechute 86 continues, the propelling member 93 will pass over the forwardterminal slug'59and finally will engage the line 'of type either a or bor their equivalent on the particular slug 59 which happens to be theforward terminal slug in said chute 86 at the. time. As the propellingmember 7 93 engages the line of type, the continuing movement of thepropelling members 93 and 92; said ment "of the transfer member 90 willcause the propelling member 93 to be pushed backwardly into the transfermember 90 and through the medium of its rack 94 to rotate the pinion 95to thereby cause the lower propelling member 92 by means of its rack 94to, be moved out of the 7 transfer member 90. These relative adjustmentsof the propelling members 93 and 92 continue until the member 92 engagesthe body of the forward terminal slug 59 which lies in the chute 86 inthe path of the transferring means. At

this stage therefore the upper propelling member 93 'will be inengagement with the line of type a or b while the lower propellingmember 92 will be in'contact with the body ofthe slug 59; V

as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10 the lengthof the lines of type a and bwilldetermine the adjustadjustment beingpredetermined by the length ofthe line of type a or b or their equivalent and the location thereof onthe slug 59, and being such as to always shift the slugs 59 to aposition on the lower carrier 46 in which the line of type a, b or theirequivalent will occupy the proper printing position regardless of anyvariations in the length'of such lines of type on different slugs.

As the movement of the transfer member continues the forward terminalslug 59 in the chute 86 will be shifted from the latter toward thedelivery end of the guide member 88 and finally will engage the slug v59which is located upon I the lower carrier 46.- A continued movement ofthetransfer member 90 will cause the succeeding slug 59 to shift thepreceding ,slug 59 from the lower carrier 46 into the disposal chute I34from which it passes into the trough I35; As this removal of thepreceding slug 59 from the lower carrier 46 takes place, the nextsucceeding slug 59 will at the same time be shifted into printingposition on said lower'carrier' 46-between the plate or stop 60 and the'clampingmember 6| which at this stage is still in its inoperative orreleasing position as shown in Fig. 7. When this replacementof the slugshas taken place on the lowercarrier 46, the roller will pass out oftheportion d of the cam groove 56 and the latter in co-operation with saidroller. 55-will 'pi votally actuate the rocking lever '49 in a-directionto begin the upward'movement ofsaid lower carrier 46. Because of thefact that the rod 69 does not partake of this upward movement of thecarrier 46 but remains in engagement with the base "plate'I6 by gravity,the upper end of said rod 69 will release the cam 6I and accordinglypermit 7 position upon said lower carrier 46.

the-spring 65 to adjust the clamping member 6| into engagement with theslug 59 which is now on said carrier and thereby clamp said slug againstthe plate or stop 60 to secure it in printing During the major portionof these operations the roller 33 has remained in the concentric portionof the cam groove 34 so that the rocking leverL30 and its associatedelements have remained substantially stationary or atleast have not beenactuated to any appreciable degree. Previous to'these operations or atany appropriate period thereof;

the sheet of paper or equivalent materialon which the printing is to bedone by the particular.

slug 59 located on the lower carrier 46, has been placed in properposition upon the bed plate I! with the space in which the name of saidslug is to be printed in registry with the opening 45 therein.

During the time that the above operations are taking place, the camgroove I92 by acting on V the roller I9I will through the medium of theoperating member I89 rock the shaft I86 to swing.

medium of the pinions I56 and rack I51; in

the movement of the frame I4'I lengthwise of the guide rails I49 in themanner described the inking rolls I50, I5I, and I52 will pass over andin surface contact with the inking platen I|I' so that the surfaces ofsaid rolls I50, I5I, and I52 will become evenly coated withprinting ink.

The operations are so timed that the inking rolls I50, I5I, and I52 willsuccessively pass over and in contact with the line of type located onthe slug 59 which is fixed upon the lower carrier 46 at the time, toapply a coating of inklto said line of type for printing purposes; theframe I41 and the elements carried thereby will beshifted in a returndirection to a sufficient degree to move the inking rolls I50, I5I, andI52 backward be- I yond the vertical path of the carrier 46 beforeupward movement of the latter has commenced. After the inking of theslug on the carrier 46 has been finished, the rocking levers 30 and 49will be rocked on their pivots in inverse relation 'by the cam grooves34 and 56 in co-operation direction. The arrangement is such that thestamping or pressure member 22 will engage the upper surface of thepaper or other material will simultaneously be adjusted in an upwardwhich is to receive the impressionat approximately the same moment thatthe line of type on the slug 59 located on the carrier 46 engages thelower surface of said sheet at the point at which the impression-is tobe'made. It will be understood that the upper carrier 2| has previ ouslybeen adjusted by means of the adjusting screw 25 or its equivalent toset the stamping or pressure member 22 in a position for co-operationwith the printing slug 59 to produce an efficient and satisfactoryimpressionxtherefrom. As the lower carrier 46 is moved upwardly theshoulder 12 of the arms 10 will be forced beneath the lower end of saidcarrier 46 by the action of the spring 74 so that said-shoulder 12serves to support the lower carrier 46 from below while the slug 53 ismaking its impression, whereby the operating mechanism is relieved fromexcess strains during the actual printing operations. If for any reasonit should become necessary to temporarily adjust the pressure developedby the stamping or pressure member 22 in opposition to the printingpressure developed by the printing slug 59, this adjustment may beaccomplished at will by swinging the operating lever i! on its pivot 12to rotatably adjust the shaft 33 and eccentrics 39 carried thereby andto thus temporarily change the location of the pivot 35 on which thelever 30 is arranged to swing. When the printing slug 59 has made itsimpression on the paper or equivalent material located on the bed platell, the pin 34 will have engaged the tripping pawl 82 which accordinglywill be swung on its pivot 8| ina direction to develop a pull upon thelink ll effective upon the lug '15 to swing the arm toward the left inFig. 3 and to thus remove its shoulder 12 from beneath the lower carrier1%. Continued operation of the mechanism will rock the levers 30 and 49in inverse relation in return directions so that the upper carrier 2|will be moved upwardly while the lower carrier 45 at the same time willbe moved downwardly back to the positions shown in Fig. 3, whereupon thecycle of operations described will be repeated. As the shaft 58 isrotated during the cycle of operations set forth above, the disk 145will rotate therewith and will reciprocate the pushing member 131 atperiodic intervals in a manner to advance the slugs accumulated in thetrough I35 in successive steps lengthwise thereof; the operativemovements of the pushing member IN to shift the accumulated slugs 59 inthe trough I35 are so timed that the end portion of the trough l35located in registry with'the chute I34 will always be free to receivethe slugs 59 as they are successively transferred from the lower carrier46.

The machine is extremely simple in construction and needs noparticularly skilled supervision in its operation as will be apparent;all that is required on the partof the operator is to place a supply ofslugs 59 from which impressions are to be made, in the chute 86 and toplace successive sheets of paper or other material in proper position onthe bed plate ill to receive said impressions in the predeterminedplaces. With the novel machine it is possible to impress or print namesor other items in corelation with previously printed matter on saidsheets or the like to impart thereto a personal touch and to give theimpression that each sheet or its equivalent has been independentlyprinted or created in its entirety for a given individual or for anyother given purpose. The feeding of the slugs 59 to the printingmechanism, the positioning thereof in proper printing positionregardless of variations in the dimensions of the items to be printedand the removal of said slugs from the printing mechanism are allaccomplished automatically and without any manual effort on the part ofthe operator.

It is to be understood that the matter to which the individual items, asexemplified by the names of individuals, are added by the novel machine,

may be produced by any suitable printing operation such as printing fromtype or lithographing, etc.

Various changes in the specific forms shown and described may be madewithin the scope of the claims without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

We claim:

1. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided withtype constituting the item to be added to said previously printedmatter, printing mechanism having a linearly movable printing membernormally in receiving relation to said support, means for shifting saidslugs successively to a position on said support for delivery to saidprinting member, means for intermittently transferring said slugs insequence from said support to said printing member for movementtherewith and for removing each next previous slug therefrom, andmechanism for operating said printing mechanism in the intervals betweenthe transferring and removal of successive slugs to and from saidprinting member.

2. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided withtype constituting the item to be additionally printed-thereby, printingmechanism, means for feeding said slugs in sequence to said printingmechanism and for removing each next previous slug therefrom, andadjustable means forming part of said feeding means adapted toautomatically compensate for different lengths in the lines of type onindividual slugs whereby the latter are automatically shifted to properprinting position regardless of variations in the lengths of said linesof type.

3. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter comprising a bed plate for supporting the printed sheets to whichprinted items are to be added, and provided with an opening. upper andlower carriers located in vertical registry with each other and withsaid opening, a chute for containing a supply of slugs each providedwith type constituting the item to be added tosaid previously printedmatter, means for shifting said slugs in succession from said chute tosaid lower carrier for movement therewith and for removing each nextpreceding slug therefrom, mechanism for operating said carriers ininverse relation to impress the items on said slugs on said sheets, andmovable clamping means on said lower carrier for clamping successiveslugs thereon and for releasing the same, said clamping means beingautomatically controlled by the operative movements of said lowercarrier.

4. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter comprising a bed plate for supporting the printed sheets to whichprinted items are to be added, and provided with an opening, upper andlower carriers located in vertical registry with each other and withsaid opening, a chute for containing a supply of slugs each providedwith type constituting the item to be additionally printed thereby,means for shifting said slugs in succession from said chute to saidlower carrier and for removing each next preceding slug therefrom,clamping means for releasably clamping the slugs on said lower carrier,means automatically controlled by the operative movements of said lowercarrier for operating said clamping means in timed relation with saidshifting means to permit the replacement of slugs on said lower carrierand their removal therefrom in individual succession, and mechanism foroperating said carriers in inverse relabe additionally printed thereby,means for "shift-.

' compensate for differentlengths'in the lines of type onindividual'slugs whereby the latter are.

' a second rocking lever on which said lower car rier is mounted, a'chute for containing a supply of printing slugs, meansfor'shifting saidslugs ual succession, and mechanism for rocking said tion to impresstheltems on said slugs on'said sheets. a V

5. A printing machine for adding printed items to previouslyprintedmatter comprising a. bed

; plate for supporting the .printed sheets to which printed items are tobe added, and providedwith an opening, upper and lower'carriers locatedin vertical registry with each other and with said opening, a chute forcontaining, a supply of slugs each provided with typeconstituting theitem to ing said slugs insuccession from said chute to said lowercarrier and foriremoving'each 'next preceding slug therefrom, adjustablemeans forming part of saidshifting means adapted to automaticallyshifted to'proper printing posi:

tion-on said lower carrierregardless of. variations in the lengths ofsaid lines of type,--;and mecha- 'nism for operating said carriers ininverse relation to impress sheets. g 6. A printing machine comprising abed plate for supporting the material for receiving printed the items onsaid-slugs on said impressions and provided with an opening, upper andlower carriers located in vertical registry with each other and withsaid opening, a pressure member movable with said upper carrier, arocking lever on which said upper carrier is mounted,

from said chute to said lower carrier and for removing the nextpreceding slug'therefrom in predetermined succession, clamping means forreleasably clamping the slugs on said lower carrier, means automaticallycontrolled by the operative movements of said lower carrier foroperating said clamping means in timed relation with said shift ingmeans to permit the replacement of slugs thereon and their removal.therefrom in individlevers to operate said carriers in inverse relationfor causing said slugs to produce printed impressions on said material.a

7. A printing'machinecomprising a support for a plurality of printingslugs eachcontainingat least one line of type constituting the matter tobe printed thereby, printing mechanism for causing said slugs to produceprinted i'npressions, a movable transfer member for shifting said. slugsfrom said support to said .printingimechanism andf or removing them fromthe latter in succession, andpropelling members movably carried by saidtransfer member and automatically adjustable by engagement withsuccessive slugs to compensate for variations in the length of the'linesof type carried thereby whereby said slugs are automatically shifted toproper printing position regardlessofsaid variations. 7

8.'A printing machine comprising a support for a plurality of printingslugs each containing.

at least one line of, type constituting the, matter to be printedthereby, printing mechanism for causing said slugs to, produce printedimpressions, a movable transfer memberfor shifting said slugs from saidsupport to said printing mechanism and for removing them from the latterinsu'cces sion, and parallel propelling members slidably movable ininverse relation relatively to said transfer member, one of saidpropelling'members engaging the lines of type on said slugs to adjustboth propelling members in a manner to compensate for variations in thelength of the lines of type. carried by different slugs wherebysaid'slugs are automatically shifted to proper printing positionregardless of said variations. y 7

9. A printing machine comprising'a chute for a plurality of printingslugs each containing at,

least one line of type constituting the matter to be printed thereby,printing mechanism for causing said slugs to produce printedimpressions,

10. A printing machine for'a'dding printed items to previously printedmattercomprising a support for a pluralityxof slu'gs each provided withtype constituting the. item to be added to said previously printedmatter, printing mecha-. nism including a movable printing member, meansfor feeding said slugs in sequence to a printing position on saidprintingmember for movement therewith and for removing each nextprevious slug therefrom, means for shifting said slugs relatively tosaidsupport into operative relation with said feeding means, a troughfor receiving the slugs discarded from the printing member, and meansindependent of said slug feeding and shifting means for progressivelymoving said slugs lengthwise'of said trough for final disposition. v

11. A printing machine comprising a support for a plurality of printingslugs, vertically movable upper and lower carriers located in verticalregistry with each other, means for shifting said slugs in successionfrom said support to a printing position on said lower carrier formovement therewith, mechanism for operating said carriers in inverseverticalrelation to cause said slugs to produce printed impressions, adevice for supporting said lower'carrier to prevent depression thereofduring each printing stage, and means for adjusting said device torelease said lower carrier at the end of each printing stage.

12. A printing machine comprising a support for a plurality of printingslugs, vertically movable upper and lower carriers located in verticalregistry with each other, means for shifting said slugs in successionfrom said support to a printing position on said lower carrier, aclamping member movably mounted on said lower carrier for releasablyclamping successive slugs thereon, a cam fixed on saidclamping member,and a-rod movably mounted on said lower carrier'and cooperating withsaid cam to automatically control said clamping member, said lowercarrier during a portion of its downward movements moving relatively tosaid rod whereby the latter acts on said cam to adjust said clampingmember to an inoperative position to release a given slug for removalfrom said lower carrier. 7 1 j 13. A printing machine comprising asupport for a plurality of printing slugs, vertically movable upper andlower carriers located in vertical 7 registry with each other,'apressure ,membermovable with said upper carrier, means 'forshiftingsaidslugsjin succession from said support to' a printing position onsaid lower carrier for movement therewith, upper and lower pivotedlevers on which said carriers are respectively mounted,

means for rocking said levers to operate said carriers vertically ininverse relation to cause said slugs to produce printed impressions, andmanually controlled means for adjusting the pivot of the upper lever atwill to thereby vary the effective pressure developed by said pressuremember.

14. A printing machine comprising a support for a plurality of printingslugs, vertically movable upper and lower carriers located in verticalregistry with each other, said lower carrier being movable downwardly toa lowered inking position, ink distributing means, a horizontallymovable support, a plurality of inking rolls carried thereby, means forhorizontally reciprocating said support to bring one of said inkingrolls into ink receiving relation with said distributing means and forpassing said inking rolls over and in contact with the slug on saidlower carrier in the lowered inking position thereof to ink said slug,and means on said movable support for distributing ink to all of theinking rolls therean as said support travels toward said lower carrier.

15. In a printing machine, the combination of vertically movable upperand lower carriers lolated in vertical registry with each other, andconstituting means for printing impressions from slugs carried by saidlower carrier, the latter being movable to an inking position, inkdistributing means, stationary guide rails, a support movable lengthwiseof said rails, a plurality of inking rolls carried by said support,actuating rolls on said support in surface contact with said inkingrolls and forming therewith a train of rolls, stationary racks locatedin parallel relation to said guide rails, pinions movable with saidactuating rolls and meshing with said racks whereby said train of rollsis normally geared to said racks, means for reciprocating said supportlengthwise of said rails to bring one of said inking rolls into inkreceiving relation with said ink distributing means and for passing saidinking rolls over and in contact with the slug on the lower carrier inthe inking position thereof to ink said slug, and means whereby thegeared connection of said train of rolls with said racks is broken whensaid one inking roll is in ink receiving relation with said inkdistributing means.

16. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided withtype constituting the item to be added to said previously printedmatter, printing mechanism including a printing member normally inreceiving relation to said support, means for shifting said slugssuccessively to a position on said support for delivery to said printingmember, means for intermittently transferring said slugs in sequencefrom said support to said printing member and for removing each previousslug therefrom, operating means for said printing mechanism whereby saidprinting member is moved to and from printing position, and movableclamping means for clamping the slug in individual succession on saidprinting member and for releasing said slugs, said clamping means beingautomatically controlled by the operative movements of said printingmember.

17. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided withtype constituting the item to be added to said previously printedmatter, said support having a delivery end to which said slugs arebrought in succession, a disposal chute having its receiving end inspaced registry with the delivery end of said support and at acorresponding level therewith, printing mechanism including a printingmember movable in the space between the delivery end of said support andthe receiving end of said disposal chute and adapted to occupy aposition of rest between said delivery and receiving ends at acorresponding level therewith whereby said delivery end of the support,said printing member and said receiving end of the disposal chutetogether constitute a substantially continuous path,

and means for transferring a terminal slug from the delivery end of saidsupport to said printing member for movement therewith and therebyforcing the last previous slug from said printing member into thereceiving end of said disposal chute between successive operations ofsaid printing mechanism.

18. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter comprising a support for a plurality of slugs each provided withtype constituting the item to be added to said previously printedmatter, printing mechanism including a printing member normally inreceiving relation to said support, means for shifting said slugssuccessively to a position on said support for delivery to said printingmember, means for intermittently transferring said slugs in sequencefrom said support to said printing member and. for removing eachprevious slug therefrom, operating means for said printing mechanismwhereby said printing member is moved to and from printing position, anda spring controlled clamping member for releasably clamping the slugs inindividual succession on said printing member.

19. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter to accord therewith comprising a support for a plurality of slugseach provided with type constituting the item to be added to saidpreviously printed matter, printing mechanism including a movableprinting member normally in receiving relation to said support, meansfor intermittently transferring successive slugs bodily from saidsupport to said printing memberfor movement therewith, and means foroperating said printing member in the intervals between saidintermittent transfer of slugs to cause the slug carried by saidprinting member to make an impression.

20. A printing machine for adding printed items to previously printedmatter to accord therewith comprising a support for a plurality of slugseach provided with type constituting the item to be added to saidpreviously printed matter, printing mechanism including a-' movableprinting member normally in receiving relation to said support, meansfor intermittently transferring successive slugs bodily from saidsupport to said printing member for movement therewith, a springcontrolled clamping member for releasably clamping successive slugs onsaid printing member, and means for operating said printing member inthe intervals between said intermittent transfer of slugs to cause theslug carried by said printing member to make an impression.

HARRY L. LATZ. STEPHEN H. PLUM, 2D.

